Riccardi’s Wonderful Slew Retains Gyeongnam Crown, Captain P.K. & Wonderful Groom – Eventually – Take Juvenile Honours

Wonderful Slew claimed the second leg of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter by successfully defending the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup (2000M KOR-G3) at Busan Racecourse on Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile in the Juvenile Division, Captain P.K. scored in the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) at Seoul, while Wonderful Groom was handed Busan’s Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) in the Stewards’ Room.

Wonderful Slew and Moon Se-young (Pic: KRA)

A maestro with the fillies, trainer Luigi Riccardi scored his first Korean Group race win with Choego Black in the Korean Oaks at Busan in 2021, but it is Wonderful Slew who has been his stable star, winning this race a year ago and then adding the KNN Cup, also at G3 level this June. The Italian handler has been operating at a win rate in of 18% and a top three rate of nearly 49% over the past year, the stable arriving on the south coast in peak form.

Sent off as the 1.7 favourite to overturn the defeat she was handed by Jeulgoeunyeojeong over 1400M in the Jeju Governor’s Cup at Seoul last month, jockey Moon Se-young sent Wonderful Slew out to track that filly, who herself had settled into 2nd early behind Flying Star.

They would remain in that order, Wonderful Slew glued to Jeugeounyeojeong’s tail, until the home straight when Moon asked for an effort from Wonderful Slew and the pair quickly zipped by their main rival, before dismissing Flying Star with similar disdain and ran on to win by two-and-a-half-lengths on the line. Flying Star held on for 2nd place while Jeulgeounyeojeong had to settle for 3rd.

“She was the defending champion, so I was confident” winning jockey Moon told in-house broadcaster KRBC. “It rained a lot on Friday, which wasn’t ideal, but I was thinking who would be the horses in front and assumed Jeulgeounyeojeong and Flying Star. The idea was to track them, and that’s how it turned out.”

“Wonderful Slew and Jeulgeounyeojeong have raced each other a lot, and at 1400M, 1600M, 1800M, we are the challenger and the underdog, but at 2000M, the expectations are on us, and (I am happy) we were able to do it.”

Moon also talked about his father, who passed away last week. “As I prepared for this race, I thought about it as one last gift I could give to my father, and I felt like he was watching me.”

With the victory, Wonderful Slew [Purge – Worldly Dude (by Volponi)] overtakes Jeulgeounyeojoeng at the top of the Queens’ Tour Fall & Winter Leaderboard with 650 points to 600. The final leg is the Breeders’ Cup Queen (1800M KOR-L) at Busan on Sunday November 24th.

Also slated for Busan on November 24th, the top juveniles from Seoul and Busan will meet for the first time in the Breeders’ Cup Rookie (1400M KOR-G2) and lead up races were held on Sunday at both Seoul and Busan.

At Seoul twelve lined up for the NACF Chairman’s Trophy (1200M KOR-L) and just as he did in August’s Rookie Stakes, Captain P.K. emerged from the pack late to win by a length-and-a half. Blushing Rose was 2nd and Munhwa Ilbo Trophy winner Silver Rain 3rd, having set the early pace.

Capyain P.K. (Pic: KRA)

Trained by Song Moon-gil and ridden by Kim Jeong-jun, Captain P.K. [Race Day – P.K. Party (By Old Fashioned)] moved on to three wins from four starts and emulated his dam, P. K. Party, who won the very same race as a juvenile herself back in 2017 when it was open to overseas, as well as locally bred runners – P.K. Party that year was the only Korean-bred, beating eleven US-bred runners that included Moonhak Chief, who would go on to win both the Grand Prix Stakes and the Korea Cup in 2019.

In Busan, things were less straightforward in the Gimhae Mayor’s Cup (1200M KOR-L). After running 3rd on debut, Winner Clear won his next two starts by a combined twenty-five lengths and was accordingly sent off as the 1.2 favourite. He was slow out of the gate though and while ridden up hard to take the lead, he wilted in the straight and crossed the line 3rd as his stablemate Oasis Blue romped home by five-lengths.

It was not to be for Oasis Blue, however. Around the 700M mark, he had shifted out slightly when not fully clear of My Dream Day and the resulting chain reaction of checking on heels ended with Mo Jun-ho being unseated from Union Champ.

Under rules of racing, there was no option but to disqualify Oasis Blue and Wonderful Groom [Testa Matta – Shesa Bud Girl (by Giant’s Causeway)] was promoted to 1st place. Winner Clear was awarded 2nd and quinella backers of the odds-on favourite rejoiced. Regardless of the disqualification, for which jockey Jung Do-yun copped a four-day ban, Oasis Blue will surely be a contender for the Breeders’ Cup Rookie in December.

Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup Sunday Busan & Seoul: Race-By-Race Preview (October 20)

Plenty going on Sunday around Korean racing with the G3 Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, featuring another clash between Jeulgeounyeojeong and Wonderful Slew the highlight. Both Busan and Seoul also host legs of the Juvenile Series. There are 11 races at Seoul from 10:35 to 18:00 and 6 at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. Here are the previews:

Jeulgeounyeojeong and Alan Munro will be back in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Small field of juvenile maidens with (3) GLOBAL TIME as the warm favourite. He comes in having run 3rd and 2nd in his two starts so far, most recently over 1200M on September 15th when he led until the closing stages. Third up he can be peaking and from a good draw he can lead again, and this time go one better. (4) MUNHAK BOY debuted in that September 15th race and ran a very solid 3rd, coming from off the pace. He was five-lengths behind Global Time so he has plenty to make up, the slight step up in trip can suit and he should have some natural improvement. (1) GWANAKSAN GLOBAL did nothing on debut make in July but has since been back to trial where he looked a better prospect, and he can improve today. Debut-maker (8) RAON THE AFFIRMED trialed up with Munhak Boy, finishing 3rd to his 2nd and she can go well first up while the other first-timer (2) BEOLGYO BAKGANGGUL also hinted at ability in a trial. 

Selections(3) Global Time (4) Munhak Boy (1) Gwanaksan Global (8) Raon The Affirmed
Next Best2, 7
Fast Start1, 3, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Standard maiden here with (2) WONDERFUL NORTHERN the standout. He didn’t do much on debut but in two subsequent starts, has landed a close 2nd followed by a 3rd, both at 1200M. Both times he did his best work late on and stepping up to 1400M may be just what he needs to make the breakthrough. (7) CHRYSOL MAJOR came from well off the pace to land a best to date 2nd place over 1300M on September 29th, well behind a good winner, but showing promise and he won’t need to improve much to go close here. (5) ORANGE TIME too improved to 2nd place at his latest start on September 15th and is another for who the additional distance may benefit. (8) CRAZE CHANG and (3) GANGCHEOL DRAGON among others in at least the placing frame.

Selections(2) Wonderful Northern (7) Chrysol Major (5) Orange Time (8) Craze Chang
Next Best3, 4
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 6

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Maidens with four of the eleven racing for the first time. Moon Se-young is in town to ride Wonderful Slew in the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup later and he picks up a potential winner here on the shape of (7) FLYING CHAMPION. After an inauspicious debut, he has finished 2nd and 4th in two subsequent outings at 1200M and 1400M and he won’t need to improve much, if at all, to beat this lot. (9) EUNBIT DAERO is the only other experienced one with any form to speak of, having run 4th on debut in a decent time over 1000M. With some natural improvement she can get close here. (10) DOCTOR CURLIN did nothing at start number two but if we go on his 5th of eleven form a wide draw on debut, he can shape as a place chance. Other than that it is the debut-makers and (1) DAEGIL HERO and (3) WONDERFUL FORTUNE were the best in trials.

Selections(7) Flying Champion (9) Eunbit Daero (10) Doctor Curlin (1) Daegil Hero
Next Best3, 6
Fast Start1, 6, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(4) SCALE KING is yet to win in eight attempts but got promoted to this level with a few too many near-misses and then showed he can compete with a 3rd place over 1200M on September 14th when handy throughout. He has raced well at this trip already and today can be his day. Probably betting favourite is (6) STING JET. After running 4th on debut, he was a winner at start number two over 1200M on September 15th when tracking the leader and pulling away late. He is up in class and slightly in trip but is down in the weights and can measure up. (3) AUSTIN LEADER mixes his form, but this is the kind of company among which he can compete for at least a place. (11) BELOTERO and (7) EAST RISING among others in the frame.

Selections(4) Scale King (6) Sting Jet (3) Austin Leader (11) Belotero
Next Best7, 1
Fast Start5, 6, 7, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(11) NINETY PLUS got his maiden in at start number two on August 11th before running 2nd in the valuable Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy for juveniles on September 8th, settling midfield and running on. He has by far the quickest final furlong among these, and the wide draw shouldn’t be a problem (2) HAPPY CHARMING was a front-running winner on debut over 1200M on September 8th. She comes up in class and in distance here and from a good draw, she can get on pace, and she can win again. (7) ROAD TO FIGHTER is up in class following a maiden win over 1200M at start number three on September 13th. He doesn’t get much of a weight break, but he can measure up here. (8) WE LIKE MONEY and (6) DOCTOR FIGHTER among plenty of other place chances in a competitive race.

Selections(11) Ninety Plus (2) Happy Charming (7) Road To Fighter (8) We Like Money
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start2, 3, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

It’s another big weekend of racing with the Queens Tour Fall/Winter continuing on Sunday with the Gyeongnam Governor’s Cup, as well as a pair of big races in the Juvenile Series the same afternoon. Saturday’s action is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with three of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll side with the experience though (6) HYEUKMUSANG won a July trial before running 2nd on debut over this distance on August 31st beaten only by a winner who has gone on to score again. He should have come on for the run and will be a warm favourite to prevail here. (1) SAENAE CLASSIC was given a tough assignment on debut in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy but he acquitted himself fairly, running 6th of eleven having raced just behind the speed. He should have derived benefit from that and can improve here. (2) DRAGON K ran 8th in the same race having finished 4th over 1000M on debut. He too can get closer here. (4) SMART TAKE and (3) HAKSAN CAIRO both hinted at ability on their respective debuts.

Selections(6) Hyeukmusang (1) Saenae Classic (2) Dragon K (4) Smart Take
Next Best3, 8
Fast Start1, 2, 6, 8

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) CHEONGSAN JIJLU registered a 4th and a 3rd from his first two starts before finishing a good 5th of eleven in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy at start number three on September 7th when he beat a couple of the leading contenders for race 1 today. He got a long way back that day before running on and with a better start and in more amenable company, he should be too strong. (3) BREEDO TROPHY has made solid progress across four starts so far with his latest, on September 15th, being his best when 3rd over this distance coming from well off the pace. He’s got a smart finish on him and from a good draw, Kozzi can pick his spot, and they will be a danger. (1) MAGIC SILENCE comes in having run an improved 3rd place at this distance on October 6th. She makes a quick return here to strike while the iron is at least lukewarm and from her best draw to date, she can get her best result to date. (9) KYLIE and (2) YEONGWON FANTASTIC other chances.

Selections(4) Cheongsan Jilju (3) Breedo Trophy (1) Magic Silence (9) Kylie
Next Best2, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1700M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(1) RAON HIT MAN enters having beaten a couple of these on his way to 2nd place on what was his first try at this distance on September 15th, coming from well off the pace. The extended trip seemed to suit, and he can make it twelfth time lucky today. (5) WITH DIS KURO has finished off well in each of his three outings so far, up to 1300M. Each time he has run out of track, and he too should appreciate the chance to run at further today. (6) P N S ME and (4) NATURAL SOUND came home 3rd and 4th respectively behind Raon Hit Man in that September 15th race. Both have run once since, putting in good efforts and then can be in the mix here. (8) SUN GALLANT the other placing chance.

Selections(1) Raon Hit Man (5) With Dis Kuro (6) P N S Me (4) Natural Sound
Next Best8, 2
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 7

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only here and (10) SERGEANT LIGHT shapes as the warm favourite. She has been getting progressively closer across her six starts to date, culminating in a close 2nd place over this distance on September 14th when slightly slow away before being ridden up to race handy. The wide draw shouldn’t matter, and she can go one better this time. (5) MERIT SUNSHINE beat a couple of these on her way to 3rd place at 1200M on September 14th, his best finish so far. In this company, she can be ridden forward today and can be in this a long way. (3) DIA ROOK did nothing in her first two starts but only went down by a very narrow margin at start three on August 17th at this distance having led for much of the way. She can lead here too and be a danger. (11) OKCHEON WIN STAR and (7) CALIPH others in the placing frame.

Selections(10) Sergeant Light (5) Merit Sunshine (3) Dia Rook (11) Okcheon Win Star
Next Best7, 2
Fast Start2, 5, 8, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 18)

The weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Masa “Magic Hands” Tanaka rode 5 winners at Busan last week (Pic: KRA)

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Maiden juvenile fillies in the opener with six of the eleven racing for the first time. (2) GEUMA DOMINANT was a solid 3rd on debut over 1000M on September 6th, racing handy throughout. She should have benefitted from the experience, she draws well, and with Munro climbing up, she can win here. (9) QUEEN RACE was 5th on debut behind the excellent prospect Winner Clear. She too should have some natural improvement here and shapes as a danger. Among the debut-makers (4) CATCH THE DREAM is the standout. She won her trial with an on-pace effort and if she brings that form to the races, she will be close first-up. (6) MIRAGE ran 2nd in her trial, settling handy and running on and can also be considered on debut. (11) A GOLD BAR took three goes to qualify but looked capable when finally managing it at the end of September.

Selections(2) Geuma Dominant (9) Queen Race (4) Catch The Dream (6) Mirage
Next Best11, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 6, 10

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens with two of the nine racing for the first time. (2) BEOLMA WINNER is the probable favourite, having finished 4th on debut over 1200M on September 15th, racing close to the speed throughout. He comes into a better gate here and with some natural improvement, may take some beating. (6) B.K DREAM is the only one in the field to have raced twice already. He ran a good 4th on debut before finishing down the field in the Gangseo-gu Mayor’s Trophy on September 8th. Today’s company is much more amenable and third-up he may have a fitness edge. (4) SEKWANG LIGHT is another who was 4th on debut, in his case over the minimum distance on September 13th when slow away and running on from well off the pace. The step up in trip may suit and he can be a danger late. (5) FLYING THE KHAN and (3) PARU others who can improve.

Selections(2) Beolma Winner (6) B.K Dream (4) Sekwang Light (5) Flying The Khan
Next Best3, 9
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Competitive maiden. (1) PINOT POWER stepped up to a mile at his latest outing and ran a fair 5th of eleven having settled in midfield. We are more interested though in his effort two starts back over this trip when he led for much of the way over today’s distance and was only very narrowly beaten into 2nd. He draws nicely to lead here and will surely be in this a long way. (2) LIME TREE will compete with him for favourite status. He too has a 2nd place on his record, albeit miles behind Winner Clear at start number two over 1200M in August. He was a fair 4th at 1300M on his latest start and won’t need to improve much to go close here. (4) TRIPLE SINHWA was an encouraging 4th on debut over 1200M on September 1st, coming from well off the pace. He should have come on for that and the 1400M should suit. (11) NEW LEADER and (7) GWANGSOKMA others in the hunt.

Selections(1) Pinot Power (2) Lime Tree (4) Triple Sinhwa (11) New Leader
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start2, 4, 5, 10

Busan Race 4: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) WORLD HIT was a winner on debut over 1000M on September 13th, leading for most of the way around and crossing the line plenty to the good. He comes up in class and in distance here, but he draws well and can maintain his 100% record. (1) GANGSEO BULPAE is yet to win in seven attempts but comes in having been 3rd in both her latest two at this class over 1300M and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) FLYING DANU won her first two starts the Spring with the second being at this class over 1300M. She then went lame on her third appearance in May and hasn’t raced since. She didn’t offer too many clues in a September trial in which she dead heated for 4th in a fair time, but she has ability and can be a threat first up but has to be taken on trust. (5) QUEEN AND SERVE and (10) GOOD KING MAN others who come in with recent form reading well and can be in the mix.

Selections(3) World Hit (1) Gangseo Bulpae (9) Flying Danu (5) Queen And Serve
Next Best10, 6
Fast Start3, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1800M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Global Hit Adds President’s Cup To Burgeoning Big Race Haul

Global Hit tightened his grip over the elite level of racing here on Sunday afternoon with a dominant win at Seoul Racecourse in the President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1).

Global Hit with his grooms, jockey and trainer (Pic: KRA)

Under Kim Hye-sun, the four-year-old Global Hit (by To Honor and Serve) stalked the leaders until unleashing in the home straight and running on to win by five-lengths from Naol Sniper. Global Hit’s stablemate in the Bang Dong-suk barn, Speed Young, was 3rd.

“I’m happy, I’m so happy. It’s a Group 1 race so I was nervous but at the same time I tried to enjoy it. I’m really proud of Global Hit’s performance today” winning jockey Kim Hye-sun told in-house broadcaster KRBC.

“The strategy was just to sit where he was comfortable and then just to maintain that position, let him do his thing and then let him go.”

A year ago, Global Hit, fresh from winning the Korean Derby was beaten seven lengths in the President’s Cup by Winner’s Man. He would then push the older horse all the way to the line. Winner’s Man was formally retired earlier this month and capturing the Grand Prix Stakes is set to be next on the agenda for Global Hit.

Global Hit (Pic: KRA)

“I think we go to the Grand Prix” said jockey Kim. “I know the fans want it and so do I. The Grand Prix is a more meaningful race than the President’s Cup and I still regret and blame myself that we came 2nd (by a nose to Winner’s Man) in last year’s Grand Prix.”

Hye-sun probably didn’t mean to do down the President’s Cup, but the Grand Prix, while worth the same prize money, is a longer standing race and is open to foreign bred as well as Korean bred horses. 

 “This time there will be no excuses but also, I don’t feel the pressure anymore; I enjoy it. All of the team at Stable 26 (Bang Dong-suk’s barn at Busan) try to make a fun and supportive environment and I am grateful for the trust we all have in each other.”

The win was Global Hit’s second Group 1 success, following his Korean Derby victory last year. Winning the Grand Prix over 2300M on December 1st, will take him to within one of matching Winner’s Man, who achieved a career Grand Slam of winning every Korean G1. Of course, the final one will prove more difficult in the shape of the Korea Cup (or Sprint).

Global Hit goes clear (Pic: KRA)

Overall, it was an encouraging race for the future with the first three placegetters all four-years-old. Chasing them home in 4th place was this year’s KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner, Success Baekpa, making a hugely encouraging return to action, racing for the first time since the final leg of the Triple Crown in June.

In a significant downer for the race though, the decision to enter sprinter Beolmaui Star, despite the runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint never having run any further than a mile, backfired when after leading, he rapidly faded and crossed the line one from last. Later he was found to have a fracture of the 4th metacarpal bone. World Dragon, who was last, was not reported to have any immediate physical issues.

Next weekend, attention turns to the juvenile division with the NACF Chairman’s Trophy at Seoul and the Gimhae Mayor’s Trophy at Busan, both Listed stops on the Juvenile Series.

GLOBAL HIT AND SPEED YOUNG HEADLINE PRESIDENT’S CUP SHOWDOWN

It’s not the most valuable race on the calendar, that’s the Korea Cup, and nor is it the most prestigious, with that honour going to the Grand Prix Stakes. It is in the President’s Cup though where Korean racing legends tend to be made. SEE HERE FOR SUNDAY’S RACE-BY-RACE FOR BOTH SEOUL AND BUSAN.

Global Hit seeks a second G1 in the President’s Cup on Sunday (Pic: KRA)

There was Dangdae Bulpae, with three consecutive wins between 2010 and 2012. Triple Nine with four between 2015 and 2018. And last year Winner’s Man completed the Grand Slam of Korean Group 1 races by finally adding it as the final piece to his collection (The Korean Derby, the Grand Prix and one of either the Korea Cup or Korea Sprint is required for a full set).

On Sunday, all eyes are on last year’s Korean Derby winner GLOBAL HIT, who in the absence of the now retired Winner’s Man, has become the standard bearer of racing here. While bested by Winner’s Man both in this race and in the Grand Prix last year, the latter by a very narrow margin, he was 3rd in the Korea Cup and now he seeks to stamp his authority over the domestic division by winning the President’s Cup.

It won’t be easy. Global Hit’s stablemate SPEED YOUNG has run him close before and can again, while NAOL SNIPER and WORLD DRAGON are also seeking Group race success.

SUCCESS BAEKPA is the up and comer having won two legs of this year’s Triple Crown, while in SIMJANGUI GODONG, there is a former winner in the race with the veteran having prevailed in the 2021 edition.

Adding intrigue among the fifteen-strong field is the presence of BEOLMAUI STAR. The runner-up in the 2023 Korea Sprint has had an erratic summer at the shorter distances and he gets tried around two turns for the first time in his career.

The President’s Cup (2000M KOR-G1) is race 7 at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with a local post time of 15:40.

1. SUCCESS BAEKPA – Winner of the 1st and 3rd legs of this year’s Triple Crown and 3rd in the Derby, he hasn’t raced since winning the Minister’s Cup here over 2000M in June. He has been back in work since late August and looked well when winning a trial within himself in mid-September. Very tough ask first-up but he is a big talent and if match fit, could be involved.

2. GLOBAL HIT – Saved Korea’s honour when 3rd behind Crown Pride and Wilson Tesoro in the Korea Cup, he is acknowledged as the best horse in the country. Three wins from five this year with the ineligible Tuhonui Banseok the only one to beat him. Sensibly campaigned, if at his best, he is too good. From a great draw, Kim Hye-sun can pick her spot and probably settles handy or midfield

3. TIZ BAROWS – Class 1 winner in June but beaten by Naol Sniper and Gangpungma in July, he has just been found a little wanting when tried against the elite and was 10th in his previous Group attempt, the YTN Cup. May well try to go to the lead here.  

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President’s Cup Sunday: Seoul & Busan – Race-By-Race Preview (October 13)

It’s President’s Cup day! The penultimate Group 1 race of the year takes place at Seoul Racecourse on Sunday afternoon with the likes of Global Hit, Speed Young and Naol Sniper among the leading contenders in the Billion Won race. The big race is race 7 (15:40) on the 11-race card at Seoul which runs from 10:35 to 18:00 while there are also 6 races at Busan from 11:25 to 16:05. We’ll have a full runner-by-runner guide to the big race a little later, but for now, here are the race previews:

Global Hit and Speed Young head the President’s Cup field (Pic: KRA)

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener with eight of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience though and (9) CUPID IT, who ran 2nd on debut in a quick race over 1000M before finishing a fair 7th of thirteen in the Rookie Stakes at the end of August. Back in more amenable company today, he will be a warm favourite. (5) ECLIPSE EDGE was given a tough assignment on debut in the Listed Munhwa Ilbo Trophy. He finished down the field but was in no way disgraced and having previously shown speed in his trials, he looks set for improvement today and will be second favourite. (6) STUNNING WORLD was a competent 5th on debut in a good time over 1000M and should have come on for the run. As for the first timers, (3) WORLD JOY beat three of these when 3rd in a trial on September 12th and looks best placed to make an immediate impact. (7) VOYAGER, 6th in that same heat, another.

Selections(9) Cupid It (5) Eclipse Edge (6) Stunning World (3) World Joy
Next Best7, 10
Fast Start1, 7, 8, 9

Seoul Race 2: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Similar to race 1, we have a horse who ran well on debut before finishing back in the Rookie Stakes. That’s (6) MORE THAN JOKE, who only beat two home in the Rookie Stakes but like everything in that race, ran creditably. He was 2nd over 1000M on debut back in July, racing on pace, and against limited opposition here, will be expected to win. (3) GLOBAL HAMSEONG was a close 3rd to More Than Joke on debut in July before notching another 3rd when stepped up to this distance on August 24th. He draws well and can be a danger.  (1) SEMYEONG STRONG improved at start number two and from the same gate today can continue to make progress. (10) PERFECT DANAEUN and (9) ARCH DAY others in the frame.

Selections(6) More Than Joke (3) Global Hamseong (1) Semyeong Strong (10) Perfect Danaeun
Next Best9, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 7, 9

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maidens in the opener on the south coast, with six of the nine racing for the first time. We’ll go with a debut maker and (4) YOUNG SKYWALKER. He led all the way in his trial, crossing the line ten-lengths to the good having been barely asked to do a thing. If he brings that form to the races, he will take a lot of beating. (2) DOCTOR CITY and (7) RACE MAN came home 5th and 6th respectively when they debuted together over 1000M on September 13th in what was a fast race. Both should have come on for the run and the pair shape as the main dangers to the newcomer here. Turning to the rest of those debut-makers, (6) BREEDO COMET and (9) SEUNGCHUNHANEUNHAE are others who hinted at ability in trials.  

Selections(4) Young Skywalker (2) Doctor City (7) Race Man (6) Breedo Comet
Next Best9, 1
Fast Start1, 2, 4, 7

Seoul Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(7) MARU JNGGUN got his maiden win at start number two in August over 1200M before running 4th at the same distance on his first try at this level on September 14th. HE stays under the same weight, the step up in trip can suit, and he is the one to beat here. (4) EAST QUALITY is yet to win in six attempts but got promoted to this level following back-to-back runner0uo finishes in June and July. He showed he can compete with a 4th place over this distance on September 1st and he can be on pace here and in this a long way. (6) CHEONGUCHAT is similarly a maiden but has plenty of near misses. He is another who should be on pace with every chance. (9) MOMO K and (2) MR. POWER the other logical place chances.

Selections(7) Maru Janggun (4) East Quality (6) Cheonguchat (9) Momo K
Next Best2, 5
Fast Start2, 5, 6, 7

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1600M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(3) BANGTANUI JEONSA stepped up to this distance for the first time on September 13th and beat three of these on his way to a much-improved 3rd place. It wasn’t a quick race and generally betting on a horse that ran well at 70/1 last time out is as quick a route to the poor house as any, he comes in under almost the same weight, he draws very nicely, and he could come out on top here. (4) WILD DIXIE was 4th in that race, continuing a consistent recent string of results. He can get a bit far back in his races, but he should be running on strong here. (8) USANG RYUNG came home in 6th place that day, but at the start before, she was 2nd over the same distance and that’s enough to put her firmly in the frame here. (6) I AM DREAMER has trialed well since an inauspicious debut while (10) BAEDARI BOSEOK has a 2nd place on his record which is enough to put him in the mix with this lot.

Selections(3) Bangtanui Jeonsa (4) Wild Dixie (8) Usang Ryung (6) I Am Dreamer
Next Best10, 1
Fast Start2, 6, 7, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 5 (1300M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

Fillies (and one mare) only here. (5) MISS CONCORD ran out a five-length winner over 1200M on September 14th, registering her maiden score at the seventh attempt. She comes up in class, but the manner of that victory suggests there can be more to come, and she can go back-to-back. Kozzi Asano rode Miss Concord that day but today he is on (10) CROQUIS. She also got her maiden win at her latest start when taking a narrow victory over 1300M on August 3rd, but it was at this class. She comes up 2.5kg in the weights and has the challenge of a wide gate but she can be a danger again. (1) ARCH RUNNER remains a twenty-three-race maiden, but she has an excellent record of picking up prize money in races like this and she should be there or thereabouts again. (9) BEOLGYOWISU and (11) TESTA RUBY others in the hunt.

Selections(5) Miss Concord (10) Croquis (1) Arch Runner (9) Beolgyowisu
Next Best11, 8
Fast Start1, 6, 8, 9

Busan Race 3: Class 5 (1400M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(2) DRAGON NINJA came from off the pace to win handily over 1200M on debut on September 1st. He comes up in class and in distance but neither of these should be a problem and he will be strongly favoured to make it two from two here.  (7) POWER WAGON is likewise up in class having run 3rd on debut in August before breaking through at start two on September 15th, leading from gate to wire. The step up in trip should pose no problem and he can be a danger. It took (9) ROSE DRAGON six starts to break through, which she did on September 15th. In her case, it was over this distance and up in class but down in weight, she can measure up here. (6) GOTOTHEVALHALLA needs a line drawn through his latest and along with (5) TAURUS KING, is a place chance.

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Seoul Saturday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 12)

Saturday’s racing is at Seoul with 11 races from 10:35 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Seoul Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the opener with four of the twelve racing for the first time. We’ll side with experience and (4) GWANAKSAN JOY, who debuted over 1200M on August 31st when she led for much of the way, ultimately finishing 4th, six lengths behind the winner who has since won again. She’ll be on pace here and this time can go all the way. Having won a trial, (10) HAKSAN CLEAR was sent off as favourite on debut over this distance on September 8th when she led but got caught late on. She too should have come on for the run and can be a danger here. (6) CHOWON DOLPONG was a close 2nd on debut before taking her chance in the Munhwa Ilbo Trophy on September 7th. She finished 7th of eleven in that but should be happier in more amenable company here. (7) HAENGBOKHAN SEUNGBU and (1) BEOLGYO GRAMMY others who hinted at ability on debut and may improve.

Selections(4) Gwanaksan Joy (10) Haksan Clear (6) Chowon Dolpung (7) Haengbokhan Seungbu
Next Best1, 11
Fast Start1, 4, 10, 12

Seoul Race 2: Class 4 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 75 Million

Twelve maiden imports here with six of the twelve racing for the first time.  We’ll take a chance on one of those newcomers after (4) SECRET SOCKS more than caught the eye in the last of three trials she went through. It was on September 12th, and she led all the way around stopping the clock in 60.6 seconds, nine-lengths clear of the rest. If she brings that form to the races, she can win. (9) PEPPER X beat a couple of today’s rivals on his way to a solid runner-up finish on debut on September 14th, settling midfield and running on. Expect similar tactics here and with some natural improvement, he has a winning chance. (11) DREAMER WHIZ was 3rd on debut over 1000M, running on pleasingly enough. The step up in trip can suit, and he can get closer here. (5) GWANAKSAN O TWO and (1) BREEDO SIRIS others who can improve.   

Selections(4) Secret Socks (9) Pepper X (11) Dreamer Whiz (5) Gwanaksan O Two
Next Best1, 3
Fast Start4, 5, 6, 11

Seoul Race 3: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

Fillies only in this maiden. (7) ANYANG GIPPEUM is the only one in the race with a 2nd place to her name, achieved at start number two over this distance on August 17th when briefly leading close to home and only being narrowly beaten. She subsequently ran 4th on September 15th, and she won’t need to improve much, if at all, on those efforts to win this. (8) DAESEUNGMA comes in off back-to-back 4th place finishes, actually beating Anyang Gippeum on the latter’s debut in July before finishing behind her in that August 17th race. She can be on the speed here and in this a long way. (10) HANGANG FASHIONED also enters off a pair of 4th place finishes achieved in contrasting styles, first when leading and then from behind and she too shapes as a danger, (3) ORION ALPHA and (9) SEOHAE BADA others in the frame.

Selections(7) Anyang Gippeum (8) Daeseungma (10) Hangang Fashioned (3) Orion Alpha
Next Best9, 2
Fast Start3, 8, 9, 10

Seoul Race 4: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(11) DANGDAECHOWOL got two 4th places from his first two outings and then ran 2nd at start three on September 14th, beating a couple of today’s rivals and posting a time faster than any of the others here who have tackled the distance. He has the challenge of the widest gate, but Kozzi climbs on, and he can go one better this time. (5) ÉCLAIR POWER has a 2nd and a 3rd in two starts back following a five-month layoff, settling back and running on both times. Third-up this preparation he can be peaking fitness wise, and he will be vying for favourite status. (1) POETIC NUBI was 3rd behind Dangdaechowol in that September 14th race and can aim to match or better it from the inside gate. (3) COMMANDING LEAD and (6) WANCHOEGO others to consider.

Selections(11) Dangdaechowol (5) Éclair Power (1) Poetic Nubi (3) Commanding Lead
Next Best6, 10
Fast Start3, 7, 9, 10

Seoul Race 5: Class 5 (1700M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

(3) MAGIC IMPACT got her maiden win on her first try around this distance on September 15th, leading for much of the way around and scoring by as many lengths as she pleased. She comes up in class, but she draws nicely, and she can make it two in a row. (6) SINUI UNMYEONG was a beaten favourite on his first try at this class and distance on September 8th, showing on pace and coming home 4th. The start before he was a smart winner over 1400M and can be given another chance today. He gets a weight swing on (2) BIG BLED, who won that September 8th race, leading all the way. Her 3.5kg rise is softened slightly by a nice draw and she can be in this a long way again. (1) WONDERFUL WELLS and (4) LEGEND TAP among others in contention in what looks a competitive race.

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Busan Friday: Race-By-Race Preview (October 11)

It’s President’s Cup weekend. The penultimate Group 1 race of the season is at Seoul on Sunday, but the weekend’s racing gets underway at Busan on Friday with 8 races from 11:50 to 18:00. Here are the previews:

Busan Race 1: Class 6 (1000M) Special Weight A / KRW 45 Million

Juvenile maiden fillies in the owner with nine of the twelve racing for the first time. (8) FLY TO THE MOON led on debut over this distance on September 27th, ultimately running 5th. She should have come on for that run and makes a quick return with every chance of coming out on top. (12) HWARYEOHANJOMYEONG was 2nd on debut over this distance on August 18th before tackling the Gangseo-Gu Mayor’s Trophy over 1200M on international day on September 8th when she stumbled and lay in and was never a factor. In more amenable company, she can be given another chance. (1) NAKDONG MYEONGJAK won her trial leading all the way and that puts her automatically in the frame first-up from a good gate. (2) QUEEN TYCHE and (11) SUCCESS GOLD other newcomers who hinted at ability in their trials.

Selections(8) Fly To The Moon (12) Hwaryeohanjomyeong (1) Nakdong Myeongjak (2) Queen Tyche
Next Best11, 7
Fast Start1, 2, 8, 9

Busan Race 2: Class 6 (1300M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(5) GALLOP QUEEN has shown steady progress across four starts so far with her latest being her best when 3rd over 1200M on September 13th. Tanaka stays on, she is nicely weighted and from a good gate she should be on pace with every chance of going all the way. (4) STORM FIGHTER was slow away at start number two, ultimately finishing back in the pack over this distance. Instead of that, we’ll go on his 4th place in a quick race (a long way behind a very good winner), showing promise. With a smoother trip this time, he should go close. (8) NICE GIRL was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1400M on September 15th and a similar effort should see her in the mix here. (11) ROAD TO WIN and (1) RAON FLATTER others to consider for improvement.

Selections(5) Gallop Queen (4) Storm Fighter (8) Nice Girl (11) Road To Win
Next Best1, 9
Fast Start1, 5, 9, 10

Busan Race 3: Class 6 (1400M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(10) HOLY RUN ran 4th on both his first two starts before running 2nd, a long way behind a very good winner, at start number three over 1300M on September 8th. The slight step up in trip should suit, the wide draw won’t be a problem, and he will be favourite to go one better here. (1) DIA MATE is yet to finish any better than 5th, but she has the fastest time among those who have tackled the 1400M already and from a good draw, she may surprise at a probable each-way price. (9) RICH TREE was an improved 3rd at start number two over 1200M on September 8th. He has finished off very well and may appreciate the step up in trip here. (11) WONDERFUL JONES and (4) MISS CROW other sin at least the placing frame.

Selections(10) Holy Run (1) Dia Mate (9) Rich Tree (11) Wonderful Jones
Next Best4, 7
Fast Start3, 5, 6, 8

Busan Race 4: Class 6 (1200M) Special Weight A / KRW 30 Million

(4) MORNING DEW has improved across three starts so far, most recently a strong 2nd place at this distance on September 13th, leading for most of the way before being passed late by a good favourite. He will be on pace here again and will be a short-priced favourite, who may take some beating. (6) SHACKLE LAUD got sent back to trial after his first two starts. He looked very well when leading all the way around in a heat in early September, and if he brings that form to the races, he should be much improved. (7) DAESUNG FLY did nothing in two starts in the final quarter of last year and then had surgery for a chip fracture. She returned to training in June, and she looked very well when 2nd in a quick trial in July. It has taken her a few more months to get to the races so she has to be taken on trust, but she may be worth a try in this limited company. First-timer (9) YULIM SESANG, along with (5) GREAT MARU others in the hunt.

Selections(4) Morning Dew (6) Shackle Laud (7) Daesung Fly (9) Yulim Sesang
Next Best5, 2
Fast Start4, 5, 7, 8

Busan Race 5: Class 5 (1200M) Handicap / KRW 45 Million

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Farewell, Baekgwang – “Korea’s Seabiscuit” 2003-2024

Baekgwang has passed. The “White Light”, Korea’s first “Idol Horse” died at the Anseong Retired Racehorse Park on September 30th, aged 21.

When it comes to Baekgwang, I am going to quote verbatim from an article I wrote almost exactly 13 years ago, after Baekgwang’s last race. It is one of the very few things that I wrote then back in those naive days that still largely holds true and most of that article is now reproduced in full (with some edits):

“When lists of the greatest racehorses are compiled, Baekgwang [The Groom Is Red-Grey Crest (Gold Crest)] likely won’t be on them. Not even in Korea. But there is something about a closer – a horse who can run from the back of the field to the front in the closing stages of a race to score a last gasp victory – that makes the heart beat faster. And when that horse is small in stature, a striking grey colour, and when he has overcome injury to be around for the best part of six years, it is something that shines a light on the drama of a sport whose beauty is so often masked behind a game of numbers. Ask a Korean racing fan to name their favourite horse and it is likely to be Baekgwang.

“Of course, while not being the greatest, Baekgwang was still a very fine racehorse. After failing to win any of his three starts as a two-year old, he finished third in the 2006 Korean Derby but went on to win the final three-year old Classic of the year, The Minister’s Cup, after picking up back-to-back Stakes wins in the Munhwa and Donga-Ilbo Cups earlier in the summer.

“He continued this form into his four-year old season, winning three consecutive races before the end of April. However, it was then that injury struck for the first time in the shape of a ligament injury and he ran only once more that year. In the meantime, his younger half-sister Baekpa (Revere) has become a star in her own right, winning the 2007 Korean Oaks. A grey herself, although less striking than Baekgwang, her big brother was brought out of his recovery to pose for pictures with her after her Oaks triumph. Eventually, after treatment and a lengthy spell of recuperation in the Korean countryside, Baekgwang himself returned to Seoul Racecourse and made his comeback in the Ttukseom Cup in April 2008.

“He was sent off as second favourite and, putting in his customary late run, looked to have a chance in the final furlong. However, in the final strides he was just headed by the even faster finishing Namchonuijijon (Concept Win) who, were it not for being unfortunate to have been born in the same year as the great J.S. Hold, may have become a Classic winner himself. After the race though came the news he had suffered severe ligament damage.

Baekgwang underwent stem-cell treatment to repair his damaged knee with cells from his back. It would be a long lay-off. During his time out, little sister Baekpa would go on to defeat the seemingly invincible Myeongmungamun in the SBS Cup of 2008. It would be in this race a year later in July 2009 that, remarkably, Baekgwang would return once again. (*2024 note: In retrospect, this may not have been a good thing, but luckily there was a happy ending).

“He ran fourth but it was a display full of promise. A month later he finished second in a handicap. Then in September, he finally made it back where he belonged; in the winner’s circle having run down a class 1 field in the home stretch to record a narrow victory. Next up was the President’s Cup and, true to form, he pushed eventual winner Nice Choice all the way, despite giving him four kilos, to finish in a brave second. He closed out 2009 on a high, skipping his way through a blizzard two days after Christmas, once more mowing down the field in the home straight.

“However, 2010 would see just one appearance, a second place in February before injury took hold again. Although he race-trialed sporadically it wasn’t until August this year (2011) that he finally made it to a race, finishing fifth behind Ace Galloper. Of course, it would be behind that horse, Seoul’s highest rated Korean bred, that he would make his final appearance., in the KRA Cup Classic on October 9th. For the first and only time in his 25 races, he would not take home any prize money yet, even while going lame once again, he was only just beaten out of the fifth and final moneying place by Dongbanui Gangja, the double Grand Prix winner. He never, ever gave up.

“Baekgwang had suffered a fracture in that final race, but happily, it was not fatal. He will return to Jeju Island, this time permanently, as perhaps it should have been last time. He will be registered as a stallion and will live out his retirement in peace. His career outlasted that of almost all his rivals such as Nice Choice and Namchonuijijon and sister Baekpa who was retired last year – Baekpa is at the same farm as the pair’s mother, Grey Crest (died 2016 aged 25).

“Some have lamented that Baekgwang – “Korea’s Seabiscuit” as he was described by the Korean Racing Journal last weekend – will not be given a retirement ceremony. It’s not necessary. Racing fans have enough memories of Baekgwang doing what he did best – be it in that Ttukseom Cup or dancing through the snow at Christmas or on all the other occasions he produced that thrilling stretch run. Baekgwang means “White Light” and he was a horse who with a turn of his head in the paddock was acknowledged by even the most hard-bitten punter as something special. We were lucky to have him.” (End of the 2011 article).

We were indeed lucky to have him. And while his lack of Group 1 wins meant he didn’t fulfil the criteria for a retirement ceremony of the likes that Winner’s Man was afforded last week, his fans, with connections and the KRA’s blessing, actually gave him one anyway, on a Friday afternoon when Seoul Racecourse didn’t have any live racing, but was open for simulcasting from Busan and Jeju. Pictures and video from that still unrepeated afternoon – are preserved here: https://blog.naver.com/uijeongbu4u/110123253086

Baekgwang’s return to Jeju Island wasn’t permanent, and after a short but not unsuccessful stallion career, he lived out his days as one of the first intake at the newly founded Korean equivalent of “Living Legends” back on the mainland in Anseong, not that far from the Seoul Racecourse.

HIs sister Baekpa, one year his junior, is still alive and she produced the 2024 KRA Cup Mile and Minister’s Cup winner Success Baekpa, as part of a successful broodmare career. Success Baekpa has suffered injury setbacks himself but is entered for this coming weekend’s President’s Cup.

While earlier horses such as Ka Shock Do and Pogyeongseon are definitely remembered, and near contemporaries Subsidy and Bally Brae are too, Baekgwang was a gamechanger in terms of the horse as superstar. Unfortunately his popularity wasn’t built upon in terms of building a narrative for Korean racing beyond betting. Baekgwang’s passing reminds us that it is urgent we get one. Rest well, Baekgwang.

Baekgwang (KOR) [The Groom Is Red-Grey Crest (Gold Crest)]
Foaled: March 19, 2003
Debut: September 24, 2005
Retired: October 9, 2011
25 races, 11 wins, 8 seconds, 2 thirds
Career Earnings: 817,614,000 Korean Won